Federation Star crowns remarkable Air Force career

Wing Commander Robyne Green has been awarded a Federation Star in recognition of her extraordinary 40 years of service to the Air Force.

CAPTION: Wing Commander Robyne Green with Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin and Air Marshal (retd) Leo Davies. Story by Squadron Leader Amanda Scott. Photos by Flight Sergeant Rodney Welch.

The presentation took place at Russell Offices in Canberra, marking her final day in uniform and a career defined by professionalism, compassion and enduring leadership.

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, presented the Federation Star to Wing Commander Green, commending her for more than 40 years in uniform – 20 years full-time and 20 years part-time.

“Congratulations on your achievements, and thank you for your compassion and dedication to supporting our members and their families in the most challenging of circumstances,” Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds said.

“You’ve not only served with distinction, you’ve shaped what care and dignity in service truly looks like.

“You brought humanity into some of the most difficult moments a family can face, always leading with compassion and integrity. You were the right person for a role that required both strength and deep empathy.”

The Federation Star is awarded to ADF personnel who complete 40 years of service. It is a clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal and represents one of the most significant acknowledgements of long and exceptional service in the ADF.

Wing Commander Green first joined the Air Force on July 16, 1984, and served in multiple units across Australia before transferring to the Air Force Reserves in August 2004.

That same year, then-Chief of Air Force, Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, appointed her as the inaugural Bereaved Families Liaison Officer at Air Force Headquarters.

Wing Commander Green continued in this sensitive and vital role for 16 years, providing immeasurable support to grieving families and Defence leaders alike under five successive Chiefs of Air Force.

In her remarks, Wing Commander Green reflected on the privilege of serving and the progress made throughout her career.

“I am very proud and grateful for a rewarding career, the friendships I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had. I’m grateful for the privilege of having been part of such a wonderful organisation, full of wonderful people,” she said.

“I leave knowing it’s in a great position moving forward.

“When I joined, women were still a minority in many parts of the Defence Force. To see where we are now – to see women flying, commanding, leading – it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

“One of my proudest moments has been helping families navigate the unimaginable. Just being able to provide support to people at their lowest point – it matters. And I’ll always carry that with me.”

Attending the presentation were Wing Commander Green’s husband, Group Captain (retd) David Green, her brother Squadron Leader (retd) Bill Ely, and a number of past and present Air Force colleagues and friends.

Also in attendance were Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sir Angus Houston, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, Air Marshal (retd) Leo Davies, Rear Admiral (retd) Raydon Gates and Commander Mark Koost.

Wing Commander Green is also a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia, recognising her outstanding service to the Air Force and the broader Australian community.

Now retired, she lives with her husband David on the Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba, looking forward to enjoying the next chapter after a lifetime of service.

CAPTION: Wing Commander Robyne Green with attendees at her Federation Star presentation.

.

.


.


.